Minimalist interior design is quite popular today, but few people know that minimalism, as a kind of design, appeared in the second half of the 20th century.

You are a fan of the minimalist interior, if you like a place full of light and simplicity, clear lines of a mix of all elements with colors in the design are more important to you than the accumulation of decor and bright incompatible colors. Professionally created minimalist interior design will not prevent you from enjoying the open space and the perfection of the decor. That is why, when working on the design, you or your designer should give special heed to tiny details, seams, furniture, and surfaces.

What distinguishes minimalism from other styles?

Minimalism is a trend in design that rejects classic design and decoration techniques. Several features make it easy to identify minimalism in the interior. Characteristics of this style in the design of premises for any purpose are the following distinctions:

  • The simplicity of style and furniture, freedom in the area;
  • A lot of light due to large windows and many light sources;
  • Expensive – only materials of the best quality.
  • Use horizontal and vertical blinds instead of curtains.
  • The color palette is characterized by 2-3 contrasting colors;
  • The presence of rectangles, squares, and circles;
  • Furniture of the correct geometrical forms which almost “dissolve” in space;
  • Placement of cabinets in wall niches;
  • Functionality, functionality, and once again the functionality of each element;
  • Only natural materials such as wood, glass, metal, and stone;
  • A few massive decor elements, instead of many small ones;
  • The presence in the decor of such accents as photographs, posters, paintings, large clocks, art objects, etc.
  • Some people choose trends such as Japanese or Scandinavian minimalism, based on their own mindset.

Japanese minimalism

This design is a special ethnic trend in minimalism, which is characterized by perfect color combinations and conciseness combined with interesting and unusual design solutions. This style is described by the utilization of multiple natural materials and traditional Japanese flower arrangements. As for other characteristics, these are:

  1. Sliding bamboo furniture.
  2. Square or rectangular ceilings in the Japanese style.
  3. Vintage materials.
  4. In the center of the room is the “island of rest”.
  5. Furniture only from a natural tree;
  6. Combination of items of wood, metal, and glass.

Scandinavian minimalism

The interior of an apartment, house, or office in this style is defined by the passion for nature, practicality, restraint, and, in a sense, coldness. The central purpose of the design is for the comfort of the hosts, not the envy of the guests.

Other features of Scandinavian minimalist interior design are:

  1. A lot of light,
  2. Blue, white, silver-gray, beige, and muted shades of yellow – are the major colors,
  3. Floor with warm soft carpets or animal skins,
  4. Environmentally friendly and natural materials – plaster, stone, and wood,
  5. Functionality of each element,
  6. Important elements of decor are table lamps, mirrors without massive frames, sconces, and floor lamps,
  7. Light, practical, and elegant furniture of a simple form,
  8. Use of textiles from natural materials such as cotton, wool, and linen.

Creating minimalist interiors

When decorating apartments, suites, offices, and other objects in a minimalist design, you should follow the basic rules of conciseness and a sense of balance. The main importance is the modeling of space, taking into account the existence of a rich bulk of diffused light. It is also pretty essential to properly divide the space when decorating a room. To do this, give up partitions and small windows and give heed to multi-level lighting using natural and man-made sources.

The color palette of the minimalist interior design consists of 2 basic tones, and the third is chosen as an accent. The next advice are for furniture:

  • Flat monophonic facades, without patterns, milling;
  • Clear geometry of structures, sharp, right angles;
  • Increased functionality;
  • Use of suspended elements;
  • Adherence to the color palette accepted in the general interior.

Technical equipment is widely utilized in minimalist interior design. It is usually laconic, black, or gray, and has a strict geometric shape.

Hard textiles or leather are utilized as upholstery materials. The colors of the upholstery are calm, and the emphasis can be made, for instance, on bright decorative pillows.

What should not be in the minimalist interior design?

To create the “right” minimalist interior design, you should take into consideration the nuances that do not have to be in this design. According to the recommendations of experts, if you want to have an apartment, suite, office, or other object decorated in a minimalist design, then pay attention to the next:

  1. Minimalism is very difficult to reproduce in small rooms. Even if you take away the decor and furniture, the space will not increase, but will seem empty;
  2. This design requires large panoramic windows without curtains, heavy curtains;
  3. The furniture should not have patterns, carved elements;
  4. Numerous bright colors, decorative trinkets, cheap furniture should be abandoned;
  5. No space dividers – it is more fitting to create a practical layout without partitions.

Why you should go with minimalism?

Minimalism is fitting for busy people and for those who are bored by arrogance and want chic simplicity, as the surfaces do not require complex care, the furniture is hidden, and their placement is safe and comfortable. Today, this design is suitable for decorating houses and apartments of any layout. Functionality allows you to get rid of the superfluous and provide a place for the important. In this interior, there is a love for functionally built-in objects and lighting. The design of a house or apartment in this style will be a complete reflection of the character of the owner and will make the atmosphere free, cozy and elegant at the same time.

And that’s not all the reasons to use this style in the design of your home.